Autumn is here, and with it comes a new discovery: Fabrique. I love seeing more transparency in fashion, and Fabrique makes an effort to showcase who designs its clothes, working with fashion designers from New York to London to Shanghai. They’re working to keep AI out of human elements of fashion, championing craftsmanship across their clothes and more recently, bags. Here are my top picks from Fabrique, with designer backstories to match…
Get 10% off clothing with BESMA10 and $20 off bags with BESMA20
Introducing Fabrique
Fabrique was founded in 2018 with a view to create small collections working directly with some of the world’s best fashion designers. The fashion industry tends to be a pretty opaque place, and many designers working at large fashion houses aren’t given the credit they deserve. Fabrique is changing that. Within their Designer Collective, you can find designers’ portfolios and stories displayed prominently alongside the pieces they create. Fabrique pairs designers’ visions with their own aims to extend the fashion cycle, promoting mindful consumption, and choosing better materials and practices for the environment.
My Top Picks at Fabrique
My experience of Fabrique has been five-star: their designs are beautiful, and while some are more trend-led, many timeless pieces exist in their bestsellers collection. As with any online shopping, I always check the composition, and all of my top picks are made with high quality materials. Plus, the bags and clothes come in luxurious packaging, while remaining paper-based and plastic-free. Here’s what I was gifted from Fabrique in order to write this review, and also wear for years to come…
Brera Convertible Tote Bag
Top of my list is the Brera Convertible Tote Bag. Designed by Valeria Massai, an Italian accessories designer with a focus on craftsmanship, this bag is a wonder.
Made from full grain leather and suede, it has that beautiful floppy leather feel, while retaining enough structure from the magnet closures and inner strap.
I was actually torn between the black and caramel, or mocha and tan combinations. Black won out – as it always does in my wardrobe – however I’m excited to ‘convert’ the bag and wear the suede side next spring.
This bag pairs the capacity of my Le Pliage tote with the quality of my smaller handbags. It’s a classic style, designed to be worn everyday and develop its own unique patina. I’m excited to wear her for years to come!
Edith Sculpted Top
Next up is the Edith Sculpted Top in Taupe. Designed by Roderic Wong, a Chinese fashion designer with an eponymous label known for slouchy yet chic wearable pieces, this piece is versatile, contemporary, but also timeless.
I picked this top after discovering it was made from 100% wool, including lightweight merino wool from Australia. On arrival, I’ve found it to be easily wearable, and soft on my skin.
The Fabrique site recommends to take one size up, and I would agree. While the shoulders are now a little loose, the overall fit is more fluid and flattering. This top wraps the body in a way that feels sensual without being too revealing.
I’ve paired it here my second-hand leather skirt and Wandler boots, but it equally looks good over my silk skirt or a simple pair of jeans.
Monti East West Shoulder Bag
Next, my Monti East West Shoulder Bag in Burgundy. I’ll admit that this bag is a little more trend-led than I tend to go for, but I figured it would be a beautiful fit with my wardrobe. I recently invested in a burgundy trench coat, and can’t wait to wear them together!
This bag is designed by Sophie Jousse, a luxury handbag designer who spent more than a decade at Hermès. I was actually surprised by this, as the bag seems more Italian than French, but the quality remains.
The ‘Oiled Waxed Top Grain Leather’ is supple and water-resistant, and the bag feels larger than it looks. I can fit all my essentials – umbrella, sunglasses, and power bank included – in this medium size bag.
One of my favourite features is the secret pocket on the outside of the bag. It’s easy to slip my phone in and out of the pocket, secured by a strong magnetic clasp.
Kaia Buttoned Grey Cardigan
Finally, the Kaia Buttoned Cardigan in Stone Grey. Just like my previous top, this half-placket ‘cardigan’ is made with 100% merino wool and hand-sewn buttons.
Designed by Mark Tan, a Danish fashion designer combining Danish minimalism and traditional Chinese art, the top feels easily wearable with a playful touch.
The Fabrique site notes that this top has a tight fit, and I’d agree. I like that I can pair it with my slouchy jeans and still feel quite done up.
As for the half-placket design, at first I was put off – I don’t like half measures! – but I’ve come to realise this design preserves the integrity of the buttons and the garment’s overall shape.
An Exclusive Discount at Fabrique
It’s a joy to discover Fabrique and their unique platform for fashion designers. I like that their collections are small and exclusive, with good quality materials and thoughtful touches. Alongside designer transparency, I would be keen to see more about the people who make Fabrique’s clothes and bags. I’d also like to see repair tips, or a take-back scheme someday. But for now, I’m happy with my pieces and know they’ll last for years.
If you’d like to discover Fabrique for yourself, you can get 10% off clothing with code BESMA10 and $20 off bags with code BESMA20. I hope you’ll take my pointers in mind – go for the styles that pair high design with high quality fabrics!
What do you think of my top picks from Fabrique? Let me know below.
